QoS CHANNELS FOR MULTIMEDIA SERVICES ON A GENERAL PURPOSE OPERATING SYSTEM PLATFORM USING DATA CARDS

ABSTRACT

A SIP (session initiation protocol) service activation abstraction layer that provides a unified interface to upper layer applications for discovering, establishing, and managing the QoS connectivity. In one implementation, this is IP Multimedia Subsystem-centric, further supporting applications that utilize SIP for session control. This capability extends to the data card universe allowing UMTS data card vendors to establish concurrent QoS-based sessions using multiple primary PDP (packet data protocol) contexts based on a set of SIP triggers, further allowing applications running on a computing system to transparently utilize the established pipes based on the individual QoS requirements.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/567,236, filed on Sep. 25, 2009, entitled “QoS CHANNELS FORMULTIMEDIA SERVICES ON A GENERAL PURPOSE OPERATING SYSTEM PLATFORM USINGDATA CARDS,” which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 7,609,700, issuedOct. 27, 2009, entitled “QoS CHANNELS FOR MULTIMEDIA SERVICES ON AGENERAL PURPOSE OPERATING SYSTEM PLATFORM USING UMTS DATA CARDS,” andalso claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.60/660,957, filed Mar. 11, 2005, entitled “QoS CHANNELS FOR MULTIMEDIASERVICES ON A GENERAL PURPOSE OPERATING SYSTEM PLATFORM USING UMTS DATACARDS”, the entireties of each of which are incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention is related to application interfaces, and morespecifically, to an interface that facilitates QoS (Quality-of-service)communications over a multimedia network.

BACKGROUND

The advent of global communications networks such as the Internet andrapid advance in cellular communications are converging to meld bothenvironments. Thus, cellular users can access IP networks (or packetnetworks) and all the services provided therein. SIP (session initiationprotocol) is a signaling protocol used for establishing sessions in anIP packet network. A session could be a simple two-way telephone call orit could be a collaborative multi-media conference session.

GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) and UMTS (Universal MobileTelecommunications System) standards provide a way of establishing dataconnectivity between mobile devices, according to one standard termedME/UE (mobile equipment/user equipment), and packet networks using a PDP(packet data protocol) context activation procedure. As part of thenegotiation, a certain level of QoS (quality-of-service) can benegotiated for the connection being configured. UMTS network serviceshave different QoS classes for at least four types of traffic, includinga conversational class (e.g., voice, video telephony, video gaming), astreaming class (e.g., multimedia, video on demand, webcast),interactive class (e.g., web browsing, network gaming, database access),and background class (e.g., email, SMS-short message service,downloading).

For a GPRS network, the allowed QoS is usually pre-provisioned in theHLR (home location register) on a per-subscription basis and is fixed,since there is limited QoS support available. The HLR is the databasewithin a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) network whichstores all the subscriber data.

Contrariwise, UMTS supports various types of connectivity with differentlevels of QoS flow specifications. Negotiation of different QoS channelsinvolves either establishing a new PDP context or by modifying thecurrent context. Due to limitations in usability and practicality,modification of the existing context and its associated QoS is seldomdone. Instead, the UE will negotiate a new context each time a new QoSis required. The standards provide an efficient way of allowing the UEto configure connectivity with the required QoS support. This is donevia a secondary PDP context activation procedure.

For UE running on an embedded platform, such as a handset, the mechanismof establishing new PDP context based on the needs from an applicationis highly integrated, and can be done seamlessly, since both theunderlying stack and the applications run on the same platform. This ismore difficult for UE in a PC card form factor, since the stack and theapplications run on two heterogeneous platforms. Due to this limitation,the PC (personal computer, or more generally, computing device) can onlyset up one PDP context (a primary context) either by using a genericpoint-to-point connection (e.g., dial-up networking (DUN)) via a virtualmodem port, or one LAN-like interface via a network interface. Currentlythere is only one connection type possible for all applications runningon the PC, thus preventing applications from using multimedia services(e.g., IMS-IP multimedia subsystem). All applications will then need touse the same QoS that is associated with that single context. Thisprohibits the UMTS PC card users from obtaining concurrent multi-QoSsupport tailored to different applications.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order toprovide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. Thissummary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is notintended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or todelineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to presentsome concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to themore detailed description that is presented later.

With the availability of HSDPA (high speed downlink packet access) andIMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem, also referred to as an IP MultimediaDomain), great revenue opportunity exists by providing contentproviders/application developers the capability to createservices/applications that take advantage of the higher data rates andmultimedia QoS (quality-of-service)-enabled networks. HSDPA is apacket-based data service in the WCDMA (wideband CDMA) downlink withdata transmission up to 8-10 Mbps (and 20 Mbps for MIMO systems) over a5 MHz bandwidth in WCDMA downlink. HSDPA implementations includeadaptive modulation and coding (AMC), multiple-input multiple-output(MIMO), hybrid automatic request (HARM), fast cell search, and advancedreceiver design.

In support of extending this capability to the PC card (also known as adata card or e.g., a 3G UMTS PC Card) universe, disclosed herein is aunified interface and mechanism that supports upper layer applicationsfor discovering, establishing, and managing the QoS connectivity.Concurrent multimedia sessions each with different QoS support andbackground IP data traffic can now be realized. Since this can beapplied to the IMS, the invention also supports applications utilizingSIP (session initiation protocol) for session control.

The novel architecture allows PC card (e.g., UMTS) vendors to establishconcurrent QoS-based sessions using multiple primary PDP (packet dataprotocol) contexts based on a set of SIP triggers, and allowsapplications running on a PC platform to transparently utilize theestablished pipes based on the individual QoS requirements.

In furtherance thereof, the invention disclosed and claimed herein, inone aspect thereof, comprises a system that facilitates communicationwith a multimedia network. The system comprises a communicationscomponent of a computing system that facilitates communications with amultimedia network, and an applications component of the computingsystem that provides a unified interface across disparate applicationsfor at least one of discovering, establishing, and managing QoSconnectivity to the multimedia network for the applications via thecommunications component.

In another aspect thereof, a uniform abstraction layer is provided thatfacilitates the following: a way for the applications to discover theinterface, which is associated with the PDP context established for therequired QoS; a way to discover ISIM (IMS subscriber identity module)profiles, including P-CSCF (proxy-call session control function), publicand private Identity, etc.; and, a way to perform admission control andthe management of PDP context (QoS connections). This is done via theintroduction of a SIP service activation (SSA) layer and a serviceaccess point (SAP). The SSA acts as a local user agent server (UAS) onlyfor the duration of initial SIP proxy discovery process. The SSA can usea fixed well-known local IP address, for example, 127.0.0.1, and port5060 (or any other well-known address and port registered withIANA-Internet Assigned Numbers Authority) and performs the followingfunctions: SIP registration, SIP redirect UAS, ISIM profile, S-PDP(streaming-PDP) connection management, and admission control.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certainillustrative aspects of the invention are described herein in connectionwith the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspectsare indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which theprinciples of the invention can be employed and the subject invention isintended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Otheradvantages and novel features of the invention will become apparent fromthe following detailed description of the invention when considered inconjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a system that facilitates session-independent QoSchannels for multimedia services in accordance with the subjectinvention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of a system that employs a computing devicewhich employs the QoS architecture of the disclosed innovation.

FIG. 3 illustrates a diagram of features provided by a disclosed SIPservice activation (SSA) layer.

FIG. 4 illustrates a more detailed diagram of a system that employs thenovel SSA architecture of the subject invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a methodology of discovering a network interfaceassociated with the context established for the QoS.

FIG. 6 illustrates a methodology of performing admission control andcontext management.

FIG. 7 illustrates a methodology of discovering ISIM profiles.

FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B illustrate a methodology of providingsession-independent QoS channels for multimedia services in accordancewith the invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of a computer operable to execute thedisclosed SSA architecture.

FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of the portable wireless deviceoperable to benefit from the architecture of the subject invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary UMTS network that facilitates SSAprocessing in accordance with the subject innovation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention is now described with reference to the drawings, whereinlike reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout.In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the subject invention. It may be evident, however, thatthe invention can be practiced without these specific details. In otherinstances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagramform in order to facilitate describing the invention.

As used in this application, the terms “component” and “system” areintended to refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, acombination of hardware and software, software, or software inexecution. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to being,a process running on a processor, a processor, a hard disk drive,multiple storage drives (of optical and/or magnetic storage medium), anobject, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or acomputer. By way of illustration, both an application running on aserver and the server can be a component. One or more components canreside within a process and/or thread of execution, and a component canbe localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or morecomputers.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100that facilitates session-independent QoS (quality-of-service) channelsfor multimedia services in accordance with the subject invention. Thesystem 100 comprises a communications component 102 (e.g., a networkinterface card) that facilitates communications with a multimedianetwork 104 (e.g., an IMS-IP multimedia subsystem network). In acomputing system (e.g., a portable or desktop system), thecommunications component 102 can be a network interface card such asthat associated with a PC card form factor (e.g., a network interfacecard, a UMTS PC Card, an EDGE PC Card, a GPRS PC Card, etc.). Such acard can also be a data card, and in one implementation, a UMTS(Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) data card. Principalaspects of the subject invention are embodied in an applicationscomponent 106 of the computing system to provide a unified interfaceacross one or more resident applications 108 (e.g., disparateapplications) denoted APP₁, APP₂, . . . , APP_(N). The applicationscomponent 106 facilitates at least one of discovering, establishing, andmanaging QoS connectivity to the multimedia network 104 for theapplications 108 via the communications component 106.

The applications component 106 can be provided as a SIP (sessioninitiation protocol) service activation abstraction layer that providesthe unified interface to the upper layer applications 108. Such protocoldetails can be found in RFC 3261: Session Initiation Protocol, theentirety of which incorporated by reference herein. In oneimplementation, this is IMS-centric, further supporting applicationsthat utilize SIP for session control. This capability extends to thedata card universe allowing UMTS data card vendors to establishconcurrent QoS-based sessions using multiple primary PDP (packet dataprotocol) contexts based on a set of SIP triggers. This further allowsthe applications 108 running on the computing system to transparentlyutilize the established data pipes based on the individual QoSrequirements.

FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of a system 200 that employs a computingdevice 202 which employs the QoS architecture of the disclosedinnovation. The device 202 includes the one or more applications 108 anyone or more of which can request access to an external network. Theapplications component 106 includes a uniform service activationabstraction layer 202 (e.g., SIP) which interfaces to one or moreservice access points (SAPs) 204. The applications 108 interact with thelayer 202 via the SAPs 204. The applications component 106 interfaces tothe communications component 102 (e.g., a PC card), which furtherfacilitates interfacing to the multimedia network 104. In thisembodiment, the multimedia network 104 can include a cellular network206 (e.g., UMTS or UTRAN-UMTS terrestrial radio access network) and amedia sources component 208. It is to be appreciated that the cellularnetwork 206 can also include satellite-based communications. The mediasources component 208 includes any type of media source such as radio,television, digital satellite radio and television, analog and digitalsources, and multimedia, for example.

In operation, the service activation layer functions as a local useragent server (UAS) for the duration of an initial proxy discoveryprocess (e.g., SIP process). In one example, the UAS utilizes a fixedwell-known local IP address (e.g., 127.0.0.1), and port number (e.g.,5060), or any address and port registered with IANA), and performsregistration, redirection, profile discovery, streaming connectionmanagement, and admission control.

An application (e.g., APP₁) sends an invite message (e.g., a SIP Invite)to via an SAP 204 to the service activation layer 202. The layer 202checks if the communications component 102 (e.g., UE) is registered withthe computing device 202. If not, the layer automatically registers thecommunications component 102. The layer then checks if the context (orQoS link) has been established. If not, the layer 202 initiates acontext activation process, and creates an associated network interfacevia the communications component 102. If the link is alreadyestablished, the layer 202 performs proper admission control to check ifthe resource associated with the link has been exhausted by otherapplications 108. Accordingly, if exhausted, the layer 202 sends aredirect message; otherwise, a reject message.

If admission is allowed and the context has been activated, the layer202 composes a redirect message and sends it to the application (e.g.,APP₁). The redirect message can include profile information such as theidentity of a proxy CSCF (P-CSCF) (which is the first point of contactin a visited network and will find the user's home network and providesome translation, security and authorization functions), other relevantISIM (IMS subscriber identity module) information, and the IP address(network interface) of the context to which the layer 202 should use insending subsequent packets.

Once the redirect message is received, the application can proceed witha new invite message destined to the true proxy server on the networkand flow will continue without the involvement of service activationlayer 202. When the application ends the current session, the layer 202can be informed of the availability of the resource so that the layer202 is allowed to perform proper admission control for the subsequentnew session requests.

FIG. 3 illustrates a diagram of features provided by a disclosed SIPservice activation (SSA) layer 300. The SSA 300 includes the capabilityto facilitate SIP registration 302. If the SSA 300 detects that the UE(user equipment) is not registered, it will perform registration onbehalf of the UE. The SSA 300 also facilitates SIP redirection 304 as aUAS. If a resource previously associated with a context is available,the SSA 300 sends a SIP redirect message that connects the resource to anext application.

The SSA 300 also facilitates providing ISIM profile information. The SSA300 includes this information in the redirect message for receipt by theapplication. The SSA 300 facilitates streaming PDP (S-PDP) connectionmanagement 308, and also admission control 310 by checking for linksthat have been exhausted by applications.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated a more detailed diagram ofa system 400 that employs the novel SSA architecture. The system 400includes a computing system 402 which can utilize one or more PC cardsto facilitate communications with a cellular network and to maintain QoSover independent channels for the communications of multimedia servicesvia the cellular network. The computing system 402 can include a numberof applications 404 that reside thereon for various uses. Here, theillustrated applications 404 are related to VoIP (Voice over IP), videosharing, a web client, and file transfer. The computing system 402includes an SSA layer 406 that provides the unified interface andmechanism for the upper layer applications 404 to discover, establish,and manage QoS connectivity to multimedia services via a UE 408 (e.g.,UMTS data card).

As indicated supra, the SSA is the uniform abstraction layer thatfacilitates the following: a way for the applications to discover theinterface, which is associated with the PDP context established for therequired QoS; a way to discover the ISIM profiles, including proxy CSCF,public and private Identity, etc.; and, a way to perform admissioncontrol and the management of PDP context (QoS connections). This isdone via the introduction of a SIP Service Activation (SSA) layer and aService Access Point (SAP). The SSA acts as a local User Agent Server(UAS) only for the duration of initial SIP proxy discovery process. TheSSA can use a fixed well-known local IP address, e.g., 127.0.0.1, andport 5060 (or any other well-known address and port registered withIANA-Internet Assigned Numbers Authority) and performs the followingfunctions: SIP Registration, SIP Redirect UAS, ISIM profile, S-PDPconnection management, and Admission Control.

As indicated supra, the SSA 406 facilitates SIP registration, SIPRedirect messaging via the UAS, providing an ISIM profile, S-PDPconnection management, and admission control.

The SSA 406 facilitates SIP Session SAPs (service access points) forvideo applications. For example, such video application can includestreaming images (e.g., video) and/or conversational (S/C) data traffic,to and from the S/C primary PDP port. For more legacy applications(e.g., a web client and/or file transfer), the SSA 406 facilitatesbackground/interactive (B/I) SAPs that process B/I traffic, to and froma primary PDP port. Accordingly, there are illustrated multiple sessions410 (e.g., two S-PDP contexts and a single B-PDP (Background-PDP)context) which can occur substantially concurrently.

In the UE 408, the contexts 410 are received across the user data plane,established and processed by a RLC (radio link control) layer, which isa sublayer of the radio interface that provides reliability. The PSsession management is passed across the control plane to the UE 408.Note that RLC can vary depending on the communication system employed.As indicated, the UE 408 includes multi-RAB (radio access bearer)capability. RAB is used in UMTS to identify a service which provides forthe transfer of user data between the UE and the core network.

In a more robust implementation, it is within contemplation of theinstant invention that multiple UE data cards can be employed. Thus, theSSA can facilitate selecting and managing contexts and sessions for thefirst card 408, and a second card 418.

Thus, data of the multiple concurrent sessions is processed andcommunicated from the UE 408 across a UTRAN 412. UTRAN is a conceptualterm which identifies a part of the UMTS network which consists of oneor more RNCs (radio network controllers) and one or more Node B'sbetween Iu and Uu interfaces. From the UTRAN 412, the session data iscommunicated to an SGSN (serving GPRS support node) 414, and then to aGGSN (gateway GPRS support node) 416.

In the GPRS/UMTS packet service paradigm, the standards provide amechanism to allow the establishment of a differentiated transportbetween the UE and the GGSN. The GGSN is the interface between the GPRSwireless data network and other networks, such as the Internet orprivate networks. This is accomplished via the PDP context activationprocess based on APNs (access point names). The QoS can be extendedbeyond the GPRS network to include the remainder of the end-to-endtransport, as long as the leg between the GGSN 416, designated by theAPN used and the terminating endpoint, supports the required QoS.

When concurrent streams with different QoS requirements are needed, UMTSprovides a way to allow UE multiplexing sessions usingpre-defined/supported multi-RAB. In order to provide end-to-endexposure, both to the UMTS gateway (e.g., GGSN) and to the PC, separateprimary PDP contexts can be used, with distinct IP addresses availableto separate traffic belonging to different sessions using different IPaddresses. (Although ports can also be used for this purpose, forsimplicity, it can be assumed that different IPs are used.) Over theUMTS network, these sessions are carried over the same RRC (radioresource control) connection established using the multi-RAB suitable tosupport the aggregated sessions. RRC is a sublayer of Layer 3 on theUMTS radio interface that exists in the control plane only, and providesinformation transfer service to the NAS (network access server). RRC isresponsible for controlling the configuration of UMTS radio interfaceLayers 1 and 2.

Here, there are three contexts illustrated. A background application(e.g., a file transfer) initiates access to an external media source(not shown). The background application sends a SIP Invite message tothe SSA 406, and the SSA 406 checks that the PC card (or UE) has beenregistered with a SIP registrar (or SIP proxy) of the computing system402. A registrar is a server that accepts Register requests and placesthe information it receives in those requests into the location servicefor the domain it handles. As indicated supra, if the card 408 is notregistered, the SSA 406 performs the registration process on behalf ofthe card 408.

The SSA 406 then checks to ensure that a context has been established tothe card 408. If not, the SSA 406 establishes a session between theB-PDP session at 410 to the B-PDP entity of the card 408. This sessionis assigned a unique IP address and/or port number. If otherapplications are or have used the resource, the background applicationhas to be admitted before using the resource. Once other application(s)have completed data transfer, the resource can be released for use bythe background application. Once released, the admission can be allowed,and the PDP session activated for the background application. The SSAthen notifies the background application of the profile informationnecessary to make the connection. This is provided in the SIP Redirectmessage, which can include the P-CSCF, other relevant ISIM data, and theIP address of the context (B-PDP) that the background application shoulduse. The background application then uses a new SIP invite message toreach outside to the true SIP proxy server (not shown) on the networkafter which SIP and RTP packets from the application can flow withoutinvolvement of the SSA 406. Thus, the context now extends from thebackground application through the B/I traffic SAP, the B-PDP contextsession to the B-PDP session of PC card 408, and out to the cellularnetwork 412 (e.g., UTRAN) through the SGSN 414 to the B/I APN entity ofthe GGSN 416. Thereafter, the session extends to the media source (notshown).

Similarly, depicted are two additional streaming application S-PDPsessions. These contexts are setup in a similar fashion as thebackground application session. Ultimately, one streaming orconversation application session (S-PDP to S-PDP of the card 408) isestablished through the UTRAN network to the S-APN-1 entity of the GGSN416 of the GPRS network. The second streaming or conversationapplication session (S-PDP to S-PDP of the card 408) is establishedthrough the UTRAN network to the S-APN-2 entity of the GGSN 416 of theGPRS network.

Traditionally, a PDP context of a GPRS/UMTS data card is establishedwhen a network interface is created via the PC data card. This isaccomplished either by using a dial-up connection via a virtual serialinterface, or a more modern mechanism, via LAN-like network interface.In the latter case, either a dial-up connection (e.g., PPP) is used, butis transparent to the OS (operating system) and is established by thedriver, or it is removed completely. In either case, the networkinterface is the only data pipe from the PC to the card, and then to thenetwork. One IP address is also associated with the interface, which isassigned by the network when the primary PDP context is activated.

FIG. 5 illustrates a methodology of discovering a network interfaceassociated with the context established for the QoS. While, for purposesof simplicity of explanation, the one or more methodologies shownherein, for example, in the form of a flow chart, are shown anddescribed as a series of acts, it is to be understood and appreciatedthat the subject invention is not limited by the order of acts, as someacts may, in accordance with the invention, occur in a different orderand/or concurrently with other acts from that shown and describedherein. For example, those skilled in the art will understand andappreciate that a methodology could alternatively be represented as aseries of interrelated states or events, such as in a state diagram.Moreover, not all illustrated acts may be required to implement amethodology in accordance with the invention.

At 500, the SSA layer architecture is received. At 502, one or moreapplications are available on the computer for accessing networkservices and data. At 504, an application sends a SIP invite message tothe SSA. At 506, the SSA checks UE registration and auto-registers theUE if it is not already registered. At 508, the SSA checks if the QoSlink (primary PDP context) is established, and if not, automaticallyactivates the context process to create a network interfaces andassociated distinct IP address assigned by the network.

FIG. 6 illustrates a methodology of performing admission control andcontext management. At 600, the SSA layer architecture is received. At602, one or more applications are available on the computer foraccessing network services and data. At 604, an application sends a SIPinvite message to the SSA. At 606, the SSA checks UE registration andauto-registers the UE if it is not already registered. At 608, the SSAchecks if the QoS link (primary PDP context) is established, and if not,automatically activates the context process to create a networkinterfaces and associated distinct IP address assigned by the network.At 610, the SSA manages admission by checking for resource exhaustionand redirecting applications to the available resource.

FIG. 7 illustrates a methodology of discovering ISIM profiles. At 700,the SSA layer architecture is received. At 702, one or more applicationsare available on the computer for accessing network services and data.At 704, an application sends a SIP invite message to the SSA. At 706,the SSA ensures the UE is registered and the QoS link (primary PDPcontext) is established. At 708, the SSA ensures that admission isallowed and context activated. At 710, the SSA sends the identity of theCSCF (call session control function), ISIM data, and address (and/orport number) of context in a redirect message.

FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B illustrate a methodology of providingsession-independent QoS channels for multimedia services in accordancewith the invention. Referring now to FIG. 8A, at 800, a computing systemis received that includes one or more applications. At 802, allapplications initially will send an SIP Invite message to theapplications component, also referred to hereinafter as the SIP ServiceActivation (SSA) abstraction layer. At 804, the SSA will check if the UE(user equipment), which includes the data card, has been registered witha SIP registrar. At 806, if not, flow proceeds to 808 where the SSAperforms registration of the UE on its behalf. At 806, if the UE isregistered, progress is to 810 where the SSA checks if the required QoSlink (primary PDP context associated with an APN) has been established.At 812, if the link is not established, flow is to 814 where the SSAwill start the PDP context activation process and create an associatednetwork interface (with a distinct IP address assigned by the network).If the link is established, flow is from 812 to 816, where the SSAperforms proper admission control to check if the resource associatedwith the link has been exhausted by other applications. At 818, the SSAthen sends a redirect message or a reject message.

Continuing on to FIG. 8B, at 820, when admission is allowed and the PDPcontext has been activated, SSA composes a redirect SIP message. At 822,the SSA sends the redirect SIP message to the application. The redirectmessage can include the identity of the P-CSCF (proxy-call sessioncontrol function), other relevant ISIM information, and the IP address(network interface) of the PDP context it should use in sending thesubsequent SIP and RTP (realtime transport protocol) packets.

The CSCF provides session control for subscribers accessing serviceswithin the IM (IP multimedia) core network. In essence the CSCF is a SIPServer whose responsibility is interacting with network databases suchas a home subscriber server (HSS) for mobility and AAA (access,authorization and accounting) Servers for security. The P-CSCF is an IMSelement that is identified as the mobile device's first contact pointwithin the IM core network subsystem. Functions of the P-CSCF includethe forwarding of SIP messages received from the UE, which can be sentto an interrogating CSCF (or I-CSCF) or a serving CSCF (or S-CSCF),depending on the type of message and procedure being carried out. TheP-CSCF is also responsible for the generation of a CDR (call detailrecord).

IMS subscribers may be issued with an ISIM for the operator or carriersupporting the IMS service. This is similar in nature to the SIM(subscriber identity module) used in GSM and GPRS and the USIM(universal SIM) employed in UMTS. It holds files regarding a usersubscription level, as well as authentication, security information andthe user's IMS private identity held in the form of an NAI (networkaccess identifier). Note that if the subscriber does not have an ISIM,then the USIM may be employed, as the security algorithms held on theUSIM can be the same as those held on the ISIM. An IMS private identity,however, will have to be resolved from the user's IMSI (internationalmobile subscriber identity).

Once the SIP redirect message is received, the application can generatea new SIP invite message destined to the true proxy SIP server on thenetwork, as indicated at 824. At 826, subsequent flow will continuewithout the involvement of SSA. At 828, when the application ends thecurrent session (via a SIP BYE message, for example), the SSA will beinformed (implementation dependent) or detects the availability of theresource, as indicated at 830. At 832, the SSA performs proper admissioncontrol for subsequent new session requests.

Applications can start with an SSA address/port (127.0.01:5060) wheninitiating a new session in order to obtain proxy ID, interface IPaddress to use, and to receive proper admission control.

Referring now to FIG. 9, there is illustrated a block diagram of acomputer operable to execute the disclosed SSA architecture. In order toprovide additional context for various aspects of the subject invention,FIG. 9 and the following discussion are intended to provide a brief,general description of a suitable computing environment 900 in which thevarious aspects of the invention can be implemented. While the inventionhas been described above in the general context of computer-executableinstructions that may run on one or more computers, those skilled in theart will recognize that the invention also can be implemented incombination with other program modules and/or as a combination ofhardware and software.

Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the inventive methods can be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations, including single-processor or multiprocessor computersystems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can beoperatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

The illustrated aspects of the invention may also be practiced indistributed computing environments where certain tasks are performed byremote processing devices that are linked through a communicationsnetwork. In a distributed computing environment, program modules can belocated in both local and remote memory storage devices.

A computer typically includes a variety of computer-readable media.Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessedby the computer and includes both volatile and non-volatile media,removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and notlimitation, computer-readable media can comprise computer storage mediaand communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatileand non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in anymethod or technology for storage of information such ascomputer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules orother data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM,ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digitalvideo disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices,or any other medium which can be used to store the desired informationand which can be accessed by the computer.

Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated datasignal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includesany information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means asignal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed insuch a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example,and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as awired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such asacoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of the anyof the above should also be included within the scope ofcomputer-readable media.

With reference again to FIG. 9, the exemplary environment 900 forimplementing various aspects of the invention includes a computer 902,the computer 902 including a processing unit 904, a system memory 906and a system bus 908. The system bus 908 couples system componentsincluding, but not limited to, the system memory 906 to the processingunit 904. The processing unit 904 can be any of various commerciallyavailable processors. Dual microprocessors and other multi-processorarchitectures may also be employed as the processing unit 904.

The system bus 908 can be any of several types of bus structure that mayfurther interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memorycontroller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofcommercially available bus architectures. The system memory 906 includesread-only memory (ROM) 910 and random access memory (RAM) 912. A basicinput/output system (BIOS) is stored in a non-volatile memory 910 suchas ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routines that helpto transfer information between elements within the computer 902, suchas during start-up. The RAM 912 can also include a high-speed RAM suchas static RAM for caching data.

The computer 902 further includes an internal hard disk drive (HDD) 914(e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal hard disk drive 914 may also beconfigured for external use in a suitable chassis (not shown), amagnetic floppy disk drive (FDD) 916, (e.g., to read from or write to aremovable diskette 918) and an optical disk drive 920, (e.g., reading aCD-ROM disk 922 or, to read from or write to other high capacity opticalmedia such as the DVD). The hard disk drive 914, magnetic disk drive 916and optical disk drive 920 can be connected to the system bus 908 by ahard disk drive interface 924, a magnetic disk drive interface 926 andan optical drive interface 928, respectively. The interface 924 forexternal drive implementations includes at least one or both ofUniversal Serial Bus (USB) and IEEE 1394 interface technologies. Otherexternal drive connection technologies are within contemplation of thesubject invention.

The drives and their associated computer-readable media providenonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executableinstructions, and so forth. For the computer 902, the drives and mediaaccommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digital format.Although the description of computer-readable media above refers to aHDD, a removable magnetic diskette, and a removable optical media suchas a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the artthat other types of media which are readable by a computer, such as zipdrives, magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, cartridges, and thelike, may also be used in the exemplary operating environment, andfurther, that any such media may contain computer-executableinstructions for performing the methods of the invention.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 912,including an operating system 930, one or more application programs 932,other program modules 934 and program data 936. All or portions of theoperating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also be cachedin the RAM 912. It is appreciated that the invention can be implementedwith various commercially available operating systems or combinations ofoperating systems.

A user can enter commands and information into the computer 902 throughone or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 938 and apointing device, such as a mouse 940. Other input devices (not shown)may include a microphone, an IR remote control, a joystick, a game pad,a stylus pen, touch screen, or the like. These and other input devicesare often connected to the processing unit 904 through an input deviceinterface 942 that is coupled to the system bus 908, but can beconnected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, an IEEE 1394serial port, a game port, a USB port, an IR interface, etc.

A monitor 944 or other type of display device is also connected to thesystem bus 908 via an interface, such as a video adapter 946. Inaddition to the monitor 944, a computer typically includes otherperipheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.

The computer 902 may operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections via wired and/or wireless communications to one or moreremote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 948. The remotecomputer(s) 948 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, apersonal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainmentappliance, a peer device or other common network node, and typicallyincludes many or all of the elements described relative to the computer902, although, for purposes of brevity, only a memory/storage device 950is illustrated. The logical connections depicted include wired/wirelessconnectivity to a local area network (LAN) 952 and/or larger networks,e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 954. Such LAN and WAN networkingenvironments are commonplace in offices and companies, and facilitateenterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all of which mayconnect to a global communications network, e.g., the Internet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 902 is connectedto the local network 952 through a wired and/or wireless communicationnetwork interface or adapter 956. The adaptor 956 may facilitate wiredor wireless communication to the LAN or cellular network 952, which mayalso include a wireless access point disposed thereon for communicatingwith the wireless adaptor 956. The adaptor 956 can also include a PCcard (or data card) that facilitates connection to the cellular network952 (e.g., 2G, 3G, 4G, . . . ) via which IP data and services can beaccessed. In accordance with the subject invention, the applications 932interface with the SSA, which can be included as a software module ofthe modules 934, in the ROM 910, and/or part of the operating system930, for example.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 902 can includea modem 958, or is connected to a communications server on the WAN 954,or has other means for establishing communications over the WAN 954,such as by way of the Internet. The modem 958, which can be internal orexternal and a wired or wireless device, is connected to the system bus908 via the serial port interface 942. In a networked environment,program modules depicted relative to the computer 902, or portionsthereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device 950. It willbe appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary andother means of establishing a communications link between the computerscan be used.

The computer 902 is operable to communicate with any wireless devices orentities operatively disposed in wireless communication, e.g., aprinter, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portable dataassistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment or locationassociated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk, news stand,restroom), and telephone. This includes at least Wi-Fi and Bluetooth™wireless technologies. Thus, the communication can be a predefinedstructure as with a conventional network or simply an ad hoccommunication between at least two devices.

Wi-Fi, or Wireless Fidelity, allows connection to the Internet from acouch at home, a bed in a hotel room, or a conference room at work,without wires. Wi-Fi is a wireless technology similar to that used in acell phone that enables such devices, e.g., computers, to send andreceive data indoors and out; anywhere within the range of a basestation. Wi-Fi networks use radio technologies called IEEE 802.11(a, b,g, etc.) to provide secure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. AWi-Fi network can be used to connect computers to each other, to theInternet, and to wired networks (which use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet).Wi-Fi networks operate in the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands, atan 11 Mbps (802.11a) or 54 Mbps (802.11b) data rate, for example, orwith products that contain both bands (dual band), so the networks canprovide real-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wiredEthernet networks used in many offices.

Referring now to FIG. 10, there is illustrated a block diagram of theportable wireless device (PWD) 1000 operable to benefit from thearchitecture of the subject invention. The PWD 1000 includes a processor1002 for controlling and processing all onboard operations andfunctions. A memory 1004 interfaces to the processor 1002 for storage ofdata and one or more applications 1006 (e.g., a video player software,user feedback component software, etc.). Other applications can includevoice recognition of predetermined voice commands that facilitateinitiation of the user feedback signal. The applications 1006 can bestored in the memory 1004 and/or in a firmware 1008, and executed by theprocessor 1002 from either or both the memory 1004 or/and the firmware1008. Here, the application(s) 1006 can include the SSA and SAParchitecture of the subject invention. The firmware 1008 can also storestartup code for execution in initializing the PWD 1000, as well as theSSA/SAP architecture, according to a particular implementation. Acommunication component 1010 interfaces to the processor 1002 tofacilitate wired/wireless communication with external systems, e.g.,cellular networks, VoIP networks, and so on. The communicationscomponent 1010 includes similar capabilities of the data card 408 ofFIG. 4 such that concurrent sessions and contexts for QoS requirementsdescribed supra can be realized. The PWD 1000 includes devices such as acellular telephone, a PDA with mobile communications capabilities, andmessaging-centric devices.

The PWD 1000 includes a display 1012 for displaying text, images, video,telephony functions (e.g., a Caller ID function), setup functions, andfor user input. The display 1012 can also accommodate the presentationof multimedia content. A serial I/O interface 1014 is provided incommunication with the processor 1002 to facilitate serial communication(e.g., USB, and/or IEEE 1394) via a hardwire connection, and otherserial input devices (e.g., a keyboard, keypad, and mouse). Thissupports updating and troubleshooting the PWD 1000, for example. Audiocapabilities are provided with an audio I/O component 1016, which caninclude a speaker for the output of audio signals related to, forexample, indication that the user pressed the proper key or keycombination to initiate the user feedback signal. The audio I/Ocomponent 1016 also facilitates the input of audio signals via amicrophone to record data and/or telephony voice data, and for inputtingvoice signals for telephone conversations.

The PWD 1000 includes a slot interface 1018 for accommodating a SIC(Subscriber Identity Component) in the form factor of a card SubscriberIdentity Module (SIM) 1020, and interfacing the SIM card 1020 with theprocessor 1002. However, it is to be appreciated that the SIM card 1020can be manufactured into the PWD 1000, and updated by downloading dataand software thereinto.

The PWD 1000 can process IP data traffic via the communication component1010 to accommodate IP traffic from an IP network such as, for example,the Internet, a corporate intranet, a home network, a person areanetwork, etc., via an ISP or cable provider. Thus, VoIP traffic can beutilized by the PWD 1000, and IP-based multimedia content can bereceived in either an encoded or a decoded format.

A video processing component 1022 (e.g., a camera) can be provided fordecoding encoded multimedia content. The PWD 1000 also includes a powersource 1024 in the form of batteries and/or an AC power subsystem, whichpower source 1024 interfaces to an external power system or chargingequipment (not shown) via a power I/O component 1026.

The PWD 1000 can also include a dataform reader 1028 suitably designedto read many types of dataforms. For example, the reader 1028 can scanproduct bar codes of two and three dimensions, and other types ofindicia.

The PWD 1000 can also include a video decoder component 1030 forprocessing video content received and transmitted. A location trackingcomponent 1032 facilitates geographically locating the PWD 1000. Asdescribed hereinabove, this can occur when the user initiates thefeedback signal automatically or manually.

A user input component 1034 can include such conventional input devicetechnologies such as a keypad, keyboard, mouse, stylus pen, and touchscreen, for example.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary UMTS network 1100 that facilitates SSAprocessing in accordance with the subject innovation. The architectureis based on the 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) Release 99specification. However, it is to be understood that the subjectinnovation can be applied to any UMTS telecommunications architecture,including by way of example, Release 5 (R5) and, R5 and Release 6 (R6)3GPP standards. UMTS offers teleservices (e.g., speech and/or SMS-ShortMessage Service) and bearer services, which provide the capability forinformation transfer between access points. Negotiation andrenegotiation of the characteristics of a bearer service can beperformed at session or connection establishment, and during an ongoingsession or connection. Both connection oriented and connectionlessservices can be offered for point-to-point and point-to-multipointcommunications.

The following frequencies 1885-2025 MHz and 2110-2200 MHz can beallocated for UMTS use. However, the innovative aspects described hereincan also be applied to other frequency bands. Bearer services can havedifferent QoS (quality-of-service) parameters for maximum transferdelay, delay variation and bit error rate. Offered data rate targetsare: 144 kbps satellite and rural outdoor; 384 kbps urban outdoor; and2048 kbps indoor and low range outdoor.

UMTS network services can have different QoS classes for four types oftraffic: conversational class (e.g., voice, video telephony, videogaming); streaming class (e.g., multimedia, video on demand, webcast);interactive class (e.g., web browsing, network gaming, database access);and background class (e.g., email, SMS, downloading).

UMTS can also support have a virtual home environment, which is aconcept for portability across network boundaries and between terminalsin a personal service environment. Personal service environment meansthat users are consistently presented with the same personalizedfeatures, user interface customization and services in whatever networkor terminal, wherever the user may be located. UMTS also includesnetwork security and location based services.

The UMTS network 1100 can consist of three interacting domains; a userequipment (UE) domain 1102, a UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network(UTRAN) domain 1104, and a core network (CN) domain 1106. The UTRANdomain 1104 is also referred to as the access network domain and the CN1106 is referred to as the core network domain, the both of whichcomprise an infrastructure domain.

The UE domain 1102 includes a USIM (user services identity module)domain and an ME (mobile equipment) domain. User equipment is theequipment used by the user to access UMTS services. In the UE domain1102, the UMTS IC card is the USIM 1108 which has the same physicalcharacteristics as GSM SIM (subscriber identity module) card. The USIMinterfaces to ME 1110 via a Cu reference point. Functions of the USIMinclude: support of one USIM application (and optionally, more thanone); support of one or more user profiles on the USIM; update of USIMspecific information over the air; security functions; userauthentication; optional inclusion of payment methods; and optionalsecure downloading of new applications.

UE terminals work as an air interface counter part for Node-B devices ofthe access network and have many different types of identities.Following are some of the UMTS identity types, which are taken directlyfrom GSM specifications: international mobile subscriber identity(IMSI); temporary mobile subscriber identity (TMSI); packet temporarymobile subscriber identity (P-TMSI); temporary logical link identity(TLLI); mobile station ISDN (MSISDN); international mobile stationequipment identity (IMEI); and international mobile station equipmentidentity and software version number (IMEISV).

A UMTS mobile station (MS) can operate in one of three modes ofoperation. A PS/CS mode of operation is where the MS is attached to boththe PS (packet-switched) domain and CS (circuit-switched) domain, andthe MS is capable of simultaneously operating PS services and CSservices. A PS mode of operation is where the MS is attached to the PSdomain only, and can only operate services of the PS domain. However,this does not prevent CS-like services from being offered over the PSdomain (e.g., VoIP). In a third CS mode of operation, the MS is attachedto the CS domain only, and can only operate services of the CS domain.

The UTRAN 1104 provides the air interface access method for the UEdomain 1102. The reference point between the UE domain and theinfrastructure domain is the Uu UMTS radio interface. The access networkdomain provides the physical entities that manage resources of theaccess network and facilitates access to the core network domain. InUMTS terminology, a base station of the access network domain isreferred as a Node-B device 1112, and control equipment for Node-Bdevices is called a radio network controller (RNC) 1114. The interfacebetween the Node-B device and the RNC 1114 is the Iub interface. Theinterface between two RNCs is called the Iur interface.

The functions of Node-B devices include: air interfacetransmission/reception; modulation and demodulation; CDMA (Code DivisionMultiple Access) physical channel coding; micro diversity; errorhanding; and closed loop power control. The functions of the RNCinclude: radio resource control; admission control; channel allocation;power control settings; handover control; macro diversity; ciphering;segmentation and reassembly; broadcast signaling; and open loop powercontrol.

Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) technology was selected for UTRAN air interface.UMTS WCDMA is a direct sequence CDMA system where user data ismultiplied with quasi-random bits derived from WCDMA spreading codes. InUMTS, in addition to channelization, codes are used for synchronizationand scrambling. WCDMA has two basic modes of operation: frequencydivision duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD).

The Core Network is divided in circuit-switched and packet-switcheddomains. Some of the circuit-switched elements are a mobile servicesswitching center (MSC) and visitor location register (VLR) 1116 andgateway MSC (GMSC) 1118. Packet-switched elements include a serving GPRSsupport node (SGSN) 1120 and gateway GPRS support node (GGSN) 1122. Somenetwork elements such as an EIR (equipment identity register) (notshown), HLR (home location register) 1124, VLR and AuC (authenticationcenter) (not shown) can be shared by both domains.

A function of the CN 1102 is to provide switching, routing and transitfor user traffic. The CN 1102 also contains the databases and networkmanagement functions. The basic CN architecture for UMTS is based on theGSM network with GPRS (general packet radio service) capability. Allequipment is modified for UMTS operation and services. The radio accessnetwork has several interfaces which can be configured and dimensioned.The CN 1106 interfaces to the radio access domain via an Iu interface.An Iu-CS (circuit-switched) reference point interfaces an RNC of theaccess network to the MSC/VLR entity 1116 of the CN 1106 for voicefrom/to the MSC/VLR 1116. An Iu-PS (packet-switched) reference pointinterfaces an RNC of the access network to the SGSN entity 1120 of theCN 1106 for data from/to the SGSN 1120.

In the CN 1106, a Gs interface is provided between the MSC/VLR 1116 andthe SGSN. A Gn interface is provided between the SGSN 1120 and the GGSN1122. A D interface is provided between the MSC/VLR 1116 and the HLR1124, and the HLR 1124 and the GMSC 1118. A Gr interface is providedbetween the SGSN 1120 and the HLR 1124. A Gc interface is providedbetween the GGSN 1122 and the HLR 1124.

The CN 1106 provides the interface from the UE domain 1102 to externalnetworks 1126 such as the Internet 1128 via a Gi interface from the GGSN1122, and other networks 1130 via the GMSC 1118, which can include aPLMN (public land mobile network), PSTN (public switched telephonenetwork) and ISDN (integrated service digital network) networks.

Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) is defined for UMTS core transmission.ATM Adaptation Layer type 2 (AAL2) handles circuit-switched connection,and packet connection protocol AALS is designed for data delivery.

The architecture of the CN 1106 can change when new services andfeatures are introduced. Number Portability Database (NPDB), forexample, can be used to enable a user to change the network whilekeeping their old phone number. A gateway location register (GLR) can beemployed to optimize the subscriber handling between network boundaries.Additionally, the MSC/VLR and SGSN can merge to become a UMTS MSC.

Summarizing the UMTS frequencies, 1920-1980 MHz and 2110-2170 MHz areemployed for FDD and WCDMA. Paired uplink and downlink channel spacingcan be 5 MHz and raster is 200 kHz. An operator can use 3-4 channels(2×15 MHz or 2×20 MHz) to build a high-speed, high-capacity network.Frequencies 1900-1920 MHz and 2010-2025 MHz are for TDD and TD/CDMA.Unpaired channel spacing can be 5 MHz and raster is 200 kHz. Transmitand receive are not separated in frequency. Frequencies 1980-2010 MHzand 2170-2200 MHz are employed for satellite uplink and downlink.

The disclosed invention finds application to EDGE (Enhanced Data ratesfor GSM Evolution) technology. EDGE is effectively the final stage inthe evolution of the GSM standard, and uses a new modulation schema toenable theoretical data speeds of up to 384 Kbps within the existing GSMspectrum. EDGE is an alternative upgrade path towards 3G services foroperators, without access to a new spectrum.

The architecture of the invention also finds application to ahierarchical cell structure (HCS). HCS is the architecture of amulti-layered cellular network where subscribers are handed over from amacrocell to a microcell, and even further, to a picocell, depending onthe current network capacity and the needs of the subscriber.

What has been described above includes examples of the invention. It is,of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination ofcomponents or methodologies for purposes of describing the subjectinvention, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that manyfurther combinations and permutations of the invention are possible.Accordingly, the invention is intended to embrace all such alterations,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes”is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term isintended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as“comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in aclaim.

1. A system, comprising; at least one memory that storescomputer-executable instructions; at least one processor,communicatively coupled to the at least one memory, that facilitatesexecution of the computer-executable instructions at least to:authenticate applications that communicate with a network fromrespective domains; facilitate concurrent network sessions for theapplications via a unified interface; facilitate attainment of a definedquality of service for a connection between at least one application ofthe applications and a network resource via the network; and after theattainment of the defined quality of service, facilitate access byanother application other than the at least one application via thenetwork.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one processorfurther facilitates the execution of the computer-executableinstructions to enable the applications to discover the unifiedinterface via a uniform abstraction layer that is associated with apacket data protocol context established for a predetermined quality ofservice.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the at least one processorfurther facilitates the execution of the computer-executable instructionto perform admission control and management of the packet data protocolcontext.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one processorfurther facilitates the execution of the computer-executable instructionto determine an identity associated with at least one of theapplications.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the unified interfaceincludes a service activation layer and a service access point.
 6. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the respective domains include a userequipment domain, a terrestrial radio access network domain, and a corenetwork domain.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the respective domainsinclude a user services identity module and a mobile equipment domain.8. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storingcomputer-executable instructions that, in response to execution, cause asystem including at least one processor, to perform operations,comprising: receiving a request to authorize an account and a service;enabling the account based in part on a verification of the service;facilitating access to a network by an application associated with theaccount in response to the enabling of the account; and facilitating acommunication session between the application and the network using acontext for the application associated with the account for a durationof an initial proxy identification process, wherein the applicationutilizes network resources according to a defined quality of servicelevel.
 9. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim8, wherein the operations further comprise: receiving the definedquality of service level from a home location register that defines thedefined quality of service on a per subscription basis, wherein the homelocation register includes a data store that stores subscriber data. 10.The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 9, whereinthe operations further comprise: negotiating a new context in responseto a change to the defined quality of service level; and facilitating anactivation of the new context via a packet data protocol contextactivation procedure.
 11. The non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium of claim 8, wherein the operations further comprise: allowing theapplication to access a service within the network.
 12. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 8, wherein theoperations further comprise: determining an identity associated with asubscriber device.
 13. The non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium of claim 8, wherein the operations further comprise: resolving aninternational mobile subscriber identity associated with a subscriberdevice.
 14. A method, comprising: authenticating, by a system includingat least one processor, applications that communicate with a networkfrom respective domains; facilitating, by the system, concurrent networksessions for the applications via a unified interface; and enabling, bythe system, access to a defined quality of service for a connectionbetween at least one application of the applications and a networkresource via the network; and facilitating, by the system, access byanother application other than the at least one application, via thenetwork, in response to attaining the defined quality of service. 15.The method of claim 14, further comprising enabling, by the system, theapplications to discover the unified interface via a uniform abstractionlayer that is associated with a packet data protocol context establishedfor a predetermined quality of service.
 16. The method of claim 15,further comprising performing, by the system, admission control andmanagement of the packet data protocol context.
 17. The method of claim14, further comprising determining, by the system, an identityassociated with the applications.
 18. The method of claim 14, furthercomprising managing, by the system, multiple domains including a userequipment domain, a terrestrial radio access network domain, and a corenetwork domain.
 19. The method of claim 14, wherein the enabling theaccess to the defined quality of service is based on analyzing a qualityof service level in a home location register.
 20. The method of claim19, further comprising negotiating, by the system, a new packet dataprotocol context in response to a request for a new quality of servicelevel.